Robert Dean Doonan, 94

Robert Dean Doonan, 94, of Pella and formerly of Montezuma, died Sunday, February 4, 2018, at the Hospice Comfort House in Pella. He was born Tuesday, January 29, 1924, on his grandparent’s farm southeast of Montezuma, the son of Robert and Nellie Cranston Doonan. He graduated from Montezuma High School with the Class of 1941. After graduation, Dean went to Alaska to help with the Al-Can Highway for a year. In 1943, Dean joined the Army Air Corp and was discharged in 1946. He then moved back to Alaska to work. On June 1, 1947, Dean was united in marriage to Louise Briggs. Dean returned to the Montezuma area and began selling life insurance. He also did tax prep and sold real estate. He sold his business in the mid 80’s but continued working in real estate in to his 80’s and enjoyed flipping mobile homes in Des Moines. Dean was a community activist in Montezuma and was a member of several organizations including the Lions, the Masonic Lodge, a 50-year member of the KABBA Shrine, Jaycees, the Lake Ponderosa Development Group, and Montezuma City Council. He gave selflessly of his time and talents to better the Montezuma community. He was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman and was very proud of his Irish heritage. He will be remembered for his quick wit. He was a people person and enjoyed visiting with people.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years: Louise Doonan of Pella; three daughters: Marcia Oliver of Des Moines, Viginia “Ginger” (& Bill) Grubb of Barnes City and Debra Leichty of Pella; six grandchildren: Robert and Ronald Oliver, Deanna (& Joel) Arkema, Samantha (& Ezekiel) Howell, Faith Leichty and Sara (& Donovan) Yoder; and four great grandchildren.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father in law; and a granddaughter: Melissa Grubb.

As was his wish, Dean’s body has been cremated and no services are planned at this time. Memorials may be given to the Hospice Comfort House of Pella.